EDMONTON
(AP) - The value of speed is significant, as only a dozen
or so players can swipe a base, beat out a double play grounder,
or cover cavernous outfields. Not only is speed key, but keeping
those fleet-of-foot runners from leaning too much at first
base. A good pickoff move is just as important as a good jump
from first. So, after sifting through the Weaverball rosters,
and this is the dream speed team and the pitching staff to
hold them close. We asked Weaverball Hall of Famer Ty Cobb
to be honorary coach and set his lineup and pitching staff.

CATCHER:
ED PASKERT, LONG BEACH
LOBSTERS
Far and above any other catcher in terms of the 40. Though,
while the slowest member of this roster, his arm is unparalleled,
making him not only the best offensive threat at his position,
but defensive elite as well. Hes got great contact and
power, but not Ruthian, so he bats in the five hole.

FIRST
BASE: ALAN DONNERSBERGER, AMITY
WHITE SHARKS
While normally in the outfield, I saw that he played first
base for the Long Beach State Dirtbags back in college. So,
I gave him the oversized mitt and stuck him in the infield
for this squad. He has the most power of the lineup, but with
less plate discipline than most, thus he bats eighth. His
defensive replacement though, and honorable mention here,
is Sonny Andrews of the Hong Kong Dragons.

SECOND
BASE: TERRY WHITTED, COZUMEL
MAYANS
Clearly the fastest member of the team, but not the best bast.
Still, great defense and a heck of an arm make his selection
easy. I thought to make the 6-7-8 just as intimidating as
the 3-4-5, so he bats sixth. That way when Paskert cranks
that bases clearing home run, another base gobbling guy is
free to steal his way to third.

THIRD
BASE: BOB PICONE, VANCOUVER
MOUNTIES
Since it is all about speed, this guy is hands down the best
runner. His defense and arm are killer to, so he makes the
team. Screw the bat speed and muscle, I didnt need it.
A bunt is as good as a hit and when you are batting ninth,
youll do anything to reach base.

SHORTSTOP:
TERRY FITZPATRICK, TEHRAN
KNIGHTS
Great bat, great pop, great glove, great arm. Hes a
step slower than everyone else here, but probably would be
the fastest guy on many other rosters. Here he bats fourth
and will have so many RBIs itd make Hornsby and Musial
jealous. Arguably the best shortstop in Weaverball and I bet
he will finish his career where he started it.

LEFT
FIELD: RAY LINTON, ACAPULCO
TEQUILAS
Here is what I call a solid player. Young kid
too, but not too cocky. Five tools, plus he wont kill
you in the outfield. He would have hit cleanup if it wasnt
for Fitzpatrick. So, the next best place is seventh, to knock
in Whitted and anyone left on ahead of him.

CENTER
FIELD: CAM LOWE, BORA
BORA SURFRIDERS
Defensive marvel in the outfield that just closes on a ball
faster than a seagull into a Randy Johnson pitch. He has a
quick bat and, despite his lack of experience in the Weaver
League, knows how to take the ball the opposite way. So, with
that kind of eye and plate discipline, he is penciled in at
the number two spot.

RIGHT
FIELD: FRED HAWKINS: NEW YORK
NUKES
There are better gloves out there, sure. Heck, I bet I could
put on the stripes and field better than this guy. But, hes
got the arm for the right side, and his ability to hit for
average and home runs is clearly apparent. Hes even
a little faster than Linton on the other side. I stuck him
third so hopefully I can pull the triple steal one game.

DESIGNATED
HITTER: LANCE HINSLEY, LOS
ANGELES RIOTS
Though he usually roams in center, I thought hed be
best just concentrating on leading off, taking pitches, making
contact, and getting on base. Clearly the best option to setup
this team and put runners on base immediately.

The
pitching staff is fairly intimidating. However, the starters
clearly need to go deep into games since the bull pen is a
little shaky. Still, these players were picked for their expertise
in keeping base runners close, not just their mound performance.